Woman charged after Helensburgh hit-and-run

A 23-year-old woman has been charged over a Helensburgh hit-and-run that left a cyclist in hospital with a broken back.

The Engadine woman was charged on Wednesday night with negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm and failing to stop and assist after the crash on the Old Princes Highway at Helensburgh on January 5.

Brendan Braid, 58, was cycling south along the highway about 6.15am when he was struck by a vehicle at the top of Garrawarra Hill.

The accountant from the Sutherland area was flung from his bike and landed by the side of the road beside his mangled bike. The vehicle drove away without helping him.

A group of cyclists found Mr Braid lying by the road several minutes later and phoned emergency services.

The Southern Cross Cycle Club member had suffered cracked lower vertebrae, internal bleeding, a broken ankle, broken leg, and extensive grazing and bruising.

Phil Kelly, from the cycling club, said he visited Mr Braid in hospital last week. He said Mr Braid was hoping to go to a rehabilitation centre in the coming weeks.

Wollongong police launched an investigation into the crash, which resulted in charges being laid against the 23-year-old woman.

She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Wollongong Local Court on February 18.